NEW YORK: The first drug designed specifically to combat America's army of porky pooches has hit the shelves.
Pfizer's new canine obesity drug Slentrol, otherwise known as 'diet pills for dogs', has been shown to be 100 percent effective in clinical trials, according to CBS. However owners need to be mindful of some side-effects the new drug may provoke.
Administered orally or in a dog's food, Slentrol helps decrease appetite and fat absorption to help the roughly five per cent of US dogs that are obese lose weight, the Federal Drug Administration said.
The US Humane Society says Americans own 65 million dogs, with about 39 per cent of US households owning at least one. According to 2002 data from the American Veterinary Medical Association, an estimated 25% to 40% of American dogs are considered overweight or obese. According to newspaper The Sydney Morning Herald, the FDA says this makes overweight dogs prime candidates for developing diabetes, heart trouble, joint problems and other complications.
And with new dog 'fast food' products such as doggy ice cream and doggy beer appearing all the time, a medical solution to the canine weight crisis may be just in time.
"The availability of Slentrol marks a significant milestone in the treatment of canine obesity, giving veterinarians an additional tool when diet modification and increased exercise are difficult for owners to implement successfully," Pfizer manager of veterinary operations Dr Georgette Wilson told industry publication AnimalPharm.
"By helping dog owners think about their dog's lifestyle, we are hoping to lessen the prevalence of this serious medical condition so dogs can live healthier, more active lives," said Pfizer's George Fennell.
The FDA told the SMH that Slentrol is a valid strategy to help curb the ballooning number of obese pets across the US, while many vets are cautiously optimistic about Slentrol's potential.
- The FDA said the drug is not for human use and will carry warnings to discourage people from using it
- Slentrol should not be used in cats, dogs receiving long-term corticosteroid therapy or dogs with liver disease
- Also known as dirlotapide, the once-daily liquid can also cause various side effects, including vomiting, loose stools, diarrhoea and lethargy
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"This is a welcome addition to animal therapies because dog obesity appears to be increasing," said Stephen Sundlof, head of FDA's Centre for Veterinary Medicine.
"Why are 40 percent of dogs in the US overweight or obese? The answer is simple: Too much food and too little exercise," the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine's Associate Professor of Medicine and Nutrition, Claudia A. Kirk, DVM, PhD, told medicalnewstoday.
"In today's hectic world, it's a challenge for many dog owners to find time to ensure their pets get adequate exercise. And in our culture, we often equate food with love - without being aware of potential adverse health consequences. For both pet owners and veterinarians trying to manage a dog's weight, these habits can be a source of genuine frustration."
But not all vets and pet industry figures are convinced about Slentrol and its possible side effects, with some warning it is not a permanent solution for an individual animal's weight problems.
Humane Society spokeswoman Stephanie Slain told the SMH that where possible dog owners should first work with a vet to reduce their canine's food intake and increase exercise before resorting to 'dog diet pills'. "Our fear is that people are trying to find an answer that seems easy to them but that is not the best solution for their dog," she said.
i think nothing beats good exercise- get your dog to run around and spend more time with you - should be better than any pill out there!
whatever happened to good old running around the back and playing with your dog? then again the pills would be for people who probably couldn't do that or for those who are too busy or have no time. for me though if you can nothing beats hanging out with your dog doing fun things together instead of popping a pill!
i completely agree with allan. pet owners should make it a habit to spend time with their little companions- play with them, make them join you on runs and walks. there is no pill for bonding and human love!
part of having a dog is being responsible enough to give it proper care and exercise. having a dog is a responsibility. why have a pet if you could just not give it proper care? then you use pills in the end just to justify your lack of responsibility? i think it's wrong coz you put your dog in danger coz pills are not all safe. best thing is just the real deal - diet and exercise. then you and your dog can be happy and healthy.
I wonder if they'll have any available soon for cats? Corkie is playful, but doesn't quite run around as much anymore- just happy batting at the occasional catnip ball. She's almost 16 lbs now, and only 3 years old- so yeah i think she needs a diet pill now.
Hey, sign me up! Where do I get some? Seriously- I'm no fan of exercise and neither is Sammy (my loyal animal companion!). I like hogging time in front of the TV, and he likes to hang with me. So yeah, I'm getting some once the pills hit the market!
I love jogging in the morning and i take Spooky with me. I agree. Nothin beats a good 'ol exercise, for YOU and your dog as well! I've heard that diet pills in humans show their side effects after a few years or so. could be worse for dogs.
Give the dogs a break. What's a dog gotta do other than eat and be fat? lol! I'd rather take them to the gym and let them loose on the treadmill.
It's a very good idea to regularly exercise your dog although be careful especially during hot weather as they can get a heat stroke. Just be sure not to overwork them and have them take a drink before and after the walk or run.
i agree with this story. our dogs are becoming more and more obese probably because most of the time we overfeed them. the best way to keep them in shape is to regularly give them some exercise that way you wont have to give them these dietary pills.
You don't need those things. Its not really the dogs who have problems -- it's the owners. Dogs or animals do not have eating disorders. People just stuff them with junk thinking its cute.
Get your fat a** off the couch and start movin'! take your dog with you too! lol i was a fat a** couch potato until bud would not let me hear the end of it if i didn't take him out. i was forced to move. now we are both in the best shape ever. Nothin beats pure exercise, i say.
It is the owners who are irresponsible. Giving their dogs diet pills are just admitting that they are irresponsible pet owners who want to take the easy way out. The are running away from their responsibility of providing total care for their pets.
i wouldn't want my dog to start taking diet pills. it's quite scary coz of those side effects. i would rather just exercise together with my pooch to loose those unwanted weight the natural way.
No offense meant but this is just another scapegoat for irresponsible pet owners.. if vanity is whats keeping you from neutering then you should be ashamed of because then you are thinking more abt yourself rather than your pet's welfare.
All the diet experts for humans say that the best way to lose weight is through diet and exercise. I believe this holds true for pets. Yeah, give them a diet pill. but if you don't regulate the diet and don't exercise them, then they are bound to put in more weight and may end up heavier than before!